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Industrial division contributes $270,000 to UWKC

UTi, located in Lugoff, had a goal of $7,063 for the United Way of Kershaw County (UWKC) campaign goal. Pictured from left to right are UTi employees Eugene Black, Shawanda Johnson, Danny Glover, Charlie Lawson and Joseph Hickman after filling out their pledge sheets. Our employees are always so generous and so willing to participate ... They understand what a tremendous impact even the smallest donation makes in the community, said UTi Human Resource Manager Snapper Hall.

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Updated:
Dec. 18, 2015, 1 a.m.

In July, the United Way of Kershaw County (UWKC) kicked off it’s 2016-2017 campaign by hosting its Industrial Division luncheon. Representatives from Kershaw County Industries set campaign goals and shared fund raising ideas. Since July, industrial companies in Kershaw County and their employees have raised more than $250,000.

The money raised from the industrial division and from the entire campaign will financially support UWKC’s 40 agencies and partnerships for the upcoming year.

"Collectively our local industrial sites donate over a quarter of a million dollars to the United Way of Kershaw County each year. This year, employees and the companies they represent have reached in excess of $270,000. Our industrial sites make a significant difference in the quality of life for our community," United Way of Kershaw County Communications Director Pam Spivey said. The following are some of the industries in Kershaw County who contributed to the campaign.

Ahlstrom -- "Our family, here at Ahlstrom, is so thrilled to have revived our campaign that a huge amount of focus went towards helping those who are hungry in our community. We would like to wish for all members of the community peace, joy, and happiness during this holiday season."

Canfor -- "From corporate and employee pledges, over the years we have been able to contribute tremendously in pledges and support. The management staff are able to creatively find ways to fill a bag to support at need individuals throughout the community. We will be looking forward to continual years of service being great stewards and sharing in the spirit of giving to those in need."

Dana -- "We are proud to support United Way of Kershaw County through our annual campaign. Our employees love making sure that the needs of others are met. It was a joy to be a part of making others happy in 2016."

Haier -- "For many years Haier has worked to help make Kershaw County a better place by participating in the "Be a Bunny" program and through the donation of refrigerators to United Way of Kershaw County for transitional homes. This is the first year that Haier has participated in an employee campaign. Our employees stepped up and embraced the idea to make this year’s campaign a success."

Midlands Tooling -- "In addition to our employee campaign we are proud to give to United Way a corporate match. With the weather related challenges facing South Carolina this year the extra support given was truly needed,"

Mundy -- "We are proud supporters of the United Way of Kershaw County through out donations."

Oak Mitsui -- "Oak Mitsui is represented by employees with a strong connection to community. Our employee per capita giving exceeds $150. The commitment shown by the Oak Mitsui family demonstrates a level of community awareness that we are extremely proud of."

Praxair -- "Praxair proudly supports the United Way and the impact it is having in our local communities. This year, with the help of Praxair’s Global Giving Program, we were able to more than double the donations raised by employees during our annual workplace giving campaign. In addition, employees came together to make a difference by engaging in the Habitat for Humanity project through the United Way Day of Caring."

Target -- "Target team members have supported their communities through United Way since 1962. This year, from renovating schools, reading with students, to responding to disasters, our volunteers dedicated over 2000 hours to our local community. During 2015 Campaign, our team members pledged over $28,000 to support UWKC’s local in need programs. Target’s continued partnership with United Way is one way that we as a company, and as individuals, demonstrate our commitment to the communities where we do business, and where our guests and team members live and work."

WeylChem -- "WeylChem team members proudly support United Way. It warms our hearts to know that we are making a difference in our community and providing support that might be life-changing for an individual or family."

Hengst, INVISTA, UTi and Suominen, which are all featured in the above photos, also contributed to the campaign.

In addition the local sites, several out-of-county industrial companies have Kershaw County employees that designate their gifts to the UWKC. The list includes International Paper, AO Smith, Sonoco, Pfizer, UPS, Duke Energy, AT&T, SCANA, Caterpillar and Lynches River.